The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1887-09-21
A SINGULAR PATIENT.

Iona, furnished an Office, and issued
his cards.
He waited reasonable time, but no
patients came, much to his ehagrin
and the rapid depletion of his purse.
His debts were accommodating. and he
was unable to cancel them.
1t was not owing to any remissness
in himself; but that, however, made it
all the more unpleasant.
One morning found him so harassed
that suicide seemed to him the quick
est way out of his distress. The land
lady had, in a considerate, vet very
positive way, stated to him that she
wanted the room for a tenant who
would be more prompt in meeting his
obligations.
His office was neatly furnished, TO
be sure, but as it was already mort
gagged for debt, nothing was to be real
lied in that direction. He buried his
face in his hands, and felt that he was
on the verge of despair.
just then young lady entered the
Office, and the necessity of treating her
with respect brought him very much
to himself.
He saw at glance that she belonged
to the higher walks of life. She was
elegantly clad, graceful in movement,
and quiet and self-possessed in deport-
ment.
Her face, if not absolutely lovely,
was at least very expressive, pure in
complexion, with lurking dimples,
rosebud lips, and soft blue eyes, con-
templative yet keenly on the alert.
She was not more than nineteen, and
shapely and compact in figure.
''Dr. Rutherford, l presumep" she
said in a family interrogative tone, her
diamonds catching hundred sparkles
of light.
'.At your service, the doctor replied
with polite bow.
She was making a rapid estimate of
him, and set him down as a handsome,
manly, frank, intelligent, fair-dealing
| fellow.
Il wish you to call on nay sister, "
she announced in voice strong, sweet
and clear.
| .'At what address," he asked.
"You are to come with me-" she
said The carriage is at the door.
Il am ready" he replied.
1t was an elegant equipage, in keep
ing with the impression of wealth and
refinement which she had conveyed to
| him.
When seated beside her, she handed
| him card. The name upon it was
that of Mrs. George de Haven, and the
| street one of the most fashionable in
the city.
| The doctor was secretly elated. He
suspected that he " rs on the highway
| to appreciation at last.
''What is YOUR SISTERS complaint?'
he asked. She did not answer him al
once, and when she did it was under
| embarrassment.
''She's "a ahypochondriac."
''Ohw calculated the doctor. Per
haps it would be best for me to know
in advance what the-the peculiar de-
lusion is? 1t may be very essential fol
me to humor it.
His companion shot him a quick
pleased, penetrative glance.
"Oh, it is so absurdr she said; and
she smiled broadly. her dimples ap
pearing and disappearing. ''She i'm
agines that there is a fiery red spot or
the back of her hand. She first con
ceived the idea at the Pass of St
Gothard A pet bird died while she
was holding it in her hand, and -
Il have heard of such a supersti
ton" interrupted the doctor, noticing
her confusion. '.Tll effect a cure
But tell me, how did you come to sent
for meP"
| A charming blush suffused his com
panion's face.
''Oh, it is simply another of my sis
ters queer notions was her reply
''She once saw your name on you
door and remembered it. I'm too dis
Greet to combat any of her odd fancies
Indeed, it would not be of any use"
She laughed in such sweet, free
girlish way, that DIR. Rutherford fel
more delighted with her than ever.
The handsome mansion reached, h
was shown into boudoir befitting
in elegance.
| Mrs De Haven was delicate-look
ing woman, but was far from being al
invalid.
She received the doctor graciously
matter which was causing her so muc
distress.
A corresponding look of concer
came into the doctors face.
He took the Inflated hand, and ex
1 dlUlHcQ IL Will grave luteftSt.
/. ''HumphT he calculated severa
times, as if unconsciously, his brow
heavily knit.
1t all looked so farcical that tn
younger sister could hardly restrai
her laughter.
This is something new in my el
. perience," commented the doctor
s.Well. not altogether, either. Som
years ago, while travelling in Switzel
land. saw at Lake Lucerne, or rathe
on the highway to Fluelen -"
"Fluelenr' cried Mrs. De Hayer
with Frightening eyes Near 81
Gotharda"
, ssYes."
Just listen, Marion.' cried tn
, hypochondriac with repressed excit,
ment .sAh, here is IA friend VIII
comprehendsi Doctor you saw such
spot as that on another lady's hand:
1T was on boys hand, " the doctc
specified, hoping some time to atoH
for the lie.
what caused itan asked Mrs. u
Haven quickly.
well, it seems absurd, and yet
q was generally accepted in that neigl
3 borhood, !" replied the doctor with
! half-abstracted air. Sometimes
: feel as if it may not be quite just
i make fun of such superstitions.
: Mrs De Haven leaned closer to hin
: and her face was sight to see, it W;
: SO illuminated with eagerness-
: 1T is said in that locality" resume
. the doctor. '.that if bird dies in one
8 hand red spot -"
Z ssThere, Marion" was the exultai
Z interruption ssYou see now that
8 was right I know that you despiss
!. what you called my weakness. Sir,
{ anybody understands my case itisy
Z And YOU can cure me.
s ..Most assuredly." declared the do
!. tor
9 .sThank Godrf cried his patient
q intense tones of relief
Il But must call again this afte
:. noon, he said Il have an old Gs
|. man work which would like to co
suit. and
: s@Oh, to be surer she interrupte
: s.Iknow that it will require intellige
action Doctor. you'll not have to U
q knife?v
g why. bless you, nor
81 Miss Marion accompanied him
oi the door.
. ssThe carriage ,s 4 your servlcs
I ehe said s'
s-0h. prefer to walk. was his !
''sh.Il ! coma for yoo hi. .ite